At least my heart was in it... (FFwD: Coeur à la Crème)

You know how sometimes, your heart is in the right place but things just don't work out like they are supposed to?

It comes out all wrong in the end.

Like making a "treat" for someone and finding out that you included their least favorite ingredient. (I am looking at you shredded coconut). Hey, your heart was in the right place.

Like going to the airport to pick up a loved one. On the wrong day. Hey, your heart was in the right place.

Like reaching over to give someone a hug and instead, giving them a big old electric shock. Hey, your heart was in the right place.

(This is starting to sound like an Alanis Morissette song, isn't it? Ironic, don't you think?)

Life is filled with those acts that are meant well, but end up failing in execution. Being able to laugh about them and move on is a life skill, right?

Like this Coeur à la Crème. I so wanted it work perfectly - I even had visions of beautifully plated slices of creamy goodness drizzled with a orange-raspberry coulis. (The coulis didn't go to waste, you will see that in this week's TWD).
Well, I didn't have a heart mold, so I thought I was going to have a bowl shaped cream cake to show everyone this week.

I carefully mixed my ingredients. I set them in a cheesecake lined strainer. I let it drain and drain and drain. A wee bit of liquid drained off (maybe a couple of tablespoons). I checked the contents of the strainer to see if my beautiful, slice able dessert was ready. Not so much.

I ended up with cream cheese dip that I poured into a heart shaped ramekin.

That counts, right?

My heart was in the right place and it still tasted good - especially when generously slathered on top of some shockingly (given the time of year and the probable origin) tasty strawberries.

Speaking of "hearts", Runner Girl still seems to be adjusting well to college life as seen here at one of her recent meets. (The drudgery of all that school work hasn't dampened her playful side yet). Culinary Kid has made her college selection - now we just have to work through the million and one details between now and then to see if it all comes together.

A bunch of these cookies came with us to that same meet and were gobbled up by Runner Girl and some of her teammates. When I made these cookies, I was really dubious that they would ever come together. They did. Beautifully. For someone who doesn't like to make cookies, I seem to be making a lot of cookies (at very weird hours of the morning and night, I might add).

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend. Stay warm (unless it is already warm where you are - then, I am just jealous). For everyone lucky enough to have a three day weekend - have a great holiday!

This post participates in French Fridays with Dorie - where I am sure you will find several examples of a beautifully executed, perfectly slice able dessert. I am counting on it!

Peace out.